Electrical Safety Tips from Jeff Hardesty of Elite Home Inspections
Published January 31, 2008 by Jeff HardestyElectrical Safety Tips from Jeff Hardesty of Elite Home Inspections
Electrical Safety
Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.
* Never use anything but the proper fuse to protect a circuit.
* Find and correct overloaded circuits.
* Never place extension cords under rugs.
* Outlets near water should be GFI-type outlets.
* Don’t allow trees near power lines to be climbed.
* Keep ladders, kites, equipment and anything else away from overhead power lines.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
* Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
* Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
* Use electrical extension cords wisely and don’t overload them.
* Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
* Don’t allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
* Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
* If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
* Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to “child-proof” electrical outlets.
* Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
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